Seillans dates back to 500 BC, when a small Celtic-Ligurian tribe les Sayllens established a defensive site.

After the collapse of the Roman Empire in the 5th century, Seillans suffered through centuries of wars and sieges and raids,
including the Saracens during the 9th century and the French Revolution in the 18th century.

In 1888, Queen Victoria visited Seillans to see the Vicomtesse de Savigny, who had recently founded a perfumery
here. Several perfumeries were located near the village but none are still in business.

The artist Max Ernst settled here in 1964 to live the last ten years of his life.